Plant Health Care and Novozymes sign Harpin distribution deal in India

(Alliance News) - Plant Health Care PLC on Thursday said it and Novozymes South Asia Pvt Ltd ...

Alliance News 12 January, 2023 | 5:52PM
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(Alliance News) - Plant Health Care PLC on Thursday said it and Novozymes South Asia Pvt Ltd signed an agreement for the exclusive distribution of Harpin for use in sugar cane production in India.

Plant Health Care is a company specialising in products to improve the health and yield of major field crops such as corn, soybeans, potatoes and rice. Novozymes is a biological solutions provider looking to improve industrial performance and preserve global resources. 

First commercial sales are expected to commence in the second half of 2023, after receipt of the required regulatory approvals. It also represents the first product to be introduced into India by Plant Health Care.

It said India is the world's second largest producer of sugar cane with about five million hectares under cultivation, noting Harpin has been used on more than 180,000 hectares of sugar cane in Brazil since its launch in 2018.

Test results by Novozymes also found the application of Harpin to sugar cane to bolster crop yield by more than 10% on average compared to prior growing seasons in India, Plant Health Care said.

"Building on the success of our Harpin...product on sugar cane in Brazil, it was natural to launch the product in India, the world's second largest producer of sugar cane," said Plant Health Care Chief Executive Officer Jeff Tweedy. "Novozymes is a leading supplier of biological products to sugar cane processors in India and will be a strong distribution partner for Plant Health Care's technology."

"Commencing commercial sales in India will materially support continued strong revenue growth at Plant Health Care consistent with previously announced aspirations."

Shanmugam Sambantham, commercial head of agriculture in India at Novozymes, added: "Sugarcane production must be increased in order to achieve the transition to cleaner energy sources envisaged under India's national policy on biofuels. Novozymes is delighted to be working with Plant Health Care to offer Indian farmers a revolutionary biostimulant, Harpin, that enhances sugarcane yield and provides superior economic returns."

Harpin works by triggering the plant's own self-defence systems, similar to how vaccinations work in humans. It causes crops to respond with improved quality, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress and ultimately, increased yield.

Being a biological product, Harpin has a very favourable human and environmental safety profile.

Shares in Plant Health Care closed flat at 11.00 pence each in London on Thursday.

By Greg Rosenvinge, Alliance News reporter

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